10 Best Golf Clubs for Getting Back Into Golf

Getting back into golf after a long time away from it can be exciting and frustrating in equal measure. You remember where you used to be, but you aren’t there yet, and the equipment you used to use may need to be redone or replaced.

The good news is that the right clubs can significantly impact your game and truly take you to the next level.

The best golf clubs for getting back into golf have lots of forgiveness and flexibility. Flexibility helps to achieve speed, and forgiving clubs make it easier to hit the sweet spot and send the ball where you want it to go.

It might be tempting to invest in something flashy and streamlined, but if you are coming back to golf after a long time of not playing, you’re going to want something with plenty of forgiveness to help you get the distance you need.

From there, you can begin to rebuild your accuracy and control. The rest of this article will look at the different sets you may want to consider investing in to help you regain your old skill as you get back into golf.

Callaway 2019 Men’s Strata 12-Piece

Callaway has created a set that will take care of all your immediate needs when you are getting back out there for the first time.

They aim to give you extra distance off the tee with a lightweight driver with a titanium head.

The 3-wood here has an aerodynamic head shape, and both are designed with large sweet spots to make them easier to hit with and provide you with maximum distance in your long shots.

The putter and the 5 Hybrid included here are both created to be forgiving instruments, perfect for building back your confidence after a while out of the game.

The mallet putter’s alignment will help to improve your accuracy, while the stainless steel irons aim to hone your control while also retaining some of the forgiveness you are looking for as you improve your skill.

The whole set is lightweight and easy to carry around, but keep in mind that it only comes with 9 clubs.

For regaining your old skills and muscle memory, these 9 will provide all that you need, and you can think about adding more clubs to your bag once you have really mastered each shot.

Cleveland Golf Launcher Irons Set

Cleveland has been coming up with game-changing innovations for a while now, and these clubs are another excellent evolution in a technology we’ve seen do amazing things before.

This set makes use of a completely hollow construction to create a set of clubs that are actually pretty hard to get a mishit on. They are called Launchers for a good reason.

The more common cavity back irons are way less forgiving than these more progressive models, which achieve high-flying long distances with far less effort.

There have been incredible advances in the technology available to players in the last few years. Hybrid golf clubs have come to be preferred to long irons in many cases, and if you have never played with newer mode, you’re in for a treat.

The hybrid-like design on these improves the forgiveness on the long irons and makes it easy to hit in any situation, but they have gone for a more traditional iron-like feel on the short irons to emphasize your control.

You will notice that they have flat faces, instead of the rounded look of most irons, and the face is one of the secrets of their success.

The high strength Ht1770 steel face is very thin, increasing forgiveness because it allows for a greater distribution of weight to the club’s perimeter, reducing the distance you lose on mishits.

Simultaneously, the thin steel bends and flexes more on impact, which transfers momentum to the ball and further hits it.

If you’re willing to forgo a more classic aesthetic and go for something a little more unconventional, these forgiving and efficient clubs are an ideal way to ease yourself back into golf.

2018 Cobra King F8 Iron Set

If you’re getting back into golf with a mid to high handicap, these clubs are a great option for you.

Cobra aims this set at players with handicaps between 5-25, with a super forgiving low center of gravity on the clubs to help get the height into your shots.

There is a one-length variety available for this set, which has each club come in at the length of a 7 iron instead of variable lengths.

This may be a good choice for you if you’re on the lower end of the handicap spectrum and you are looking for simplicity in building your swing back up to what it used to be.

They have debuted ‘carbon feel technology’ in the irons, with a carbon fiber medallion underneath a carefully-designed face. The faces have varying thicknesses across them to maximize the sweet zone and increase the ball speeds.

The shorter irons have a u-shaped groove, and the long irons have a v-shaped groove, and this is to reduce spin and maximize distance on the long irons and, on the other hand, increase the spin; therefore, the control you can achieve on the shorter irons.

One optional benefit of these clubs is the Cobra Connect technology if you’re looking to train and track your journey back into golf.

You can be fitted to some or all of your clubs (for an extra cost) to give you information about your swing fed back to an app on your phone.

This is a cool feature that will help motivate you by giving you tangible evidence of your improvements.

Confidence Golf Men’s Power V3 Club Set and Stand Bag

A lesser-known but an excellent brand, these Confidence golf clubs are an affordable and worthwhile investment.

While the set features a well-made and versatile hybrid club, it uses this to replace its long irons.

This may not be a bad thing for you if you are just dipping your toe back in; the 24-degree loft hybrid club is easy to use and performs well, and it might suit your needs, to begin with, mastering the hybrid before reinvesting in those challenging long irons.

Especially if you haven’t played in years and haven’t experienced the new hybrid technology, you may be surprised by how much easier hybrids are to work with than the 1-2-3 irons.

The Titanium driver offers beautiful height on the drive, and the short irons have a slightly oversized sweet spot and a cavity-back structure to help you as much as possible.

The staffs are steel, which may not suit you if you are still working on your swing speed.

But if you are swinging at a reasonable speed, looking for something affordable to get you back into golf, and don’t mind the prospect of losing out on your long irons (or finding them independently) – this would be an excellent set for you.

Mizuno JPX 921 Hot Metal

Mizuno is known for its thin blades and pro-rated, low handicapper offerings, but they’ve created the most forgiving clubs in their collection with this set.

Unlike the rest of their clubs, which are forged, these ones are made of a Chromoly 414, lighter to help those who are still working on their swing speed.

The open back cavity is designed to give you easy height in your shots, and the toe bias in the weight distribution on the club means that off-center mishits have more stability.

For this model, they have added 3 sound ribs to the club, which channel the vibration of the ball’s impact to give a more solid feel through the club on the stroke.

This feature is more common on more advanced sets, but it’s a good idea to have a responsive set of clubs that have a great feel as you are getting into golf again: the sensitivity will help you pick up differences in your swing.

Wilson Men’s Complete Set

The oversized composite driver is made of forged titanium, and the weight distribution on it means that it has a huge sweet spot due.

In contrast, the unique design of the head of the driver is created to give you stability on off-center hits, improving the launch when the clubface makes contact with the ball.

This straightens the ball’s flight path, which in turn creates greater distance in the shot.

They also feature a distance-oriented head design on the irons for a straighter, cleaner, and more efficient shots.

Much of this is due to the low center of gravity on these clubs, with weight centered on the soles. This makes launching the ball into the air easier and the overall shots more forgiving.

The shaft is graphite, which is more flexible than iron. This is a solid choice for building your golf game back up because the flex will increase your swing speed and help you get the ball farther.

This particular set has a reinforced tip to stabilize the head, allowing for a cleaner launch.

The putter in this set is designed for stability, with an alignment system to easily increase your accuracy on the green.

Pinemeadow Men’s PGX Golf Set

This is a stripped-down set that is great for someone starting out or if you already have some aspects of your set, perhaps from previous golfing days.

As with all of the clubs on this list, these emphasize improving your game, with a forgiving driver that features a large sweet spot.

These clubs are designed to give you great altitude and get the ball angle high for a great landing. The irons give you a great launch and good levels of spin with their oversized soles.

One great characteristic of this set is that the driver, fairway wood, and hybrid have a white finish for high visibility as you set up.

Keep in mind that this set is not comprehensive: they don’t include a bag, a putter, or a sand wedge.

If you still have the bag you used when you first started out golfing, this won’t be a problem, and you may be able to get the handles changed on your old putter and sand wedge to complete this set.

If not, you can build up the set by buying individual pieces. Regardless, this set offers good value for rebuilding your golf game.

Wilson Staff Golf Men’s D7 Irons

This set of cubs is designed for players who are looking to improve their distance on the course.

The long irons have three rows of what Wilson calls ‘Progressive Power Holes’, which allow for a long, straight flight.

Their shorter irons are created for feel and precision, so they are heavier and have fewer holes, which should help your control.

The thin face also improves the distance and feel of each of the clubs. Expect a heavy, low center of gravity for a very forgiving driver, with a flexible graphite shaft for improved speed on the swing.

These clubs won the 2019 Golf Digest Hotlist Gold placement for best game-improvement clubs, so they are very worth considering as an investment in your game.

2020 TaylorMade SIM Max Iron Set

These SIM Max clubs are made of graphite, with TaylorMade’s ECHO Damping system covering the face of the club to channel the energy of the swing in order to cut down on the vibrations that make the impact uncomfortable.

So in many ways, these clubs feel like forged steel, but with the flexibility of graphite.

The face here is 17% thinner than their previous iteration to create the maximum speed on the ball, and the ‘Thru-Slot Speed Pocket’ is a cool innovation whereby the face is disconnected from the sole and moves freely. This also works to give speed and, therefore, distance to your ball.

One of the ways they build forgiveness into this model is through the ‘Speed Bridge’ technology, which brings stability to the irons by supporting the topline and strategically thickening it in places.

Ultimately, this works with the other more flexible elements of the clubs to give you greater distance, even on mis-hits.

2020 XXIO Eleven Iron Set

There are many aspects of the game that your club choice affects, and many of the sets on this list are oriented towards improving your distance and forgiving your mis-hits.

This is important, but if you’re looking specifically to improve your consistency, the XXIO 2020 irons may be your best bet.

They’ve reduced the club’s weight and replaced it with their ‘WEIGHT PLUS’ weights, made of brass and rubber.

These sit in each club’s butt-end for a weight distribution that results in a counterbalance to the grip end. Having it closer to the hands makes it easier for players with a moderate swing speed to control, resulting in a smoother, more consistent swing.

They have increased the irons’ flexibility by cutting two slots into the body just behind the face. This double undercut back cavity increases the speed and the distance you can achieve.

While this does make the clubs more forgiving, the design’s primary emphasis is for players looking to grow in their shots’ reliability.

This could be what you exactly need as you re-enter the world of golf: you may still know enough to make the occasional stellar shot, but true mastery only comes when you can do it over and over again.

Which Is Right For You?

Overall, the Cleveland Golf Launcher Irons may be the best option to get back into golf. The incredible forgiveness of these irons pairs with the control offered by their unique shape, and if you haven’t played for a few years, you’ll enjoy experiencing the innovation and advances that have gone into creating these clubs.

If you already have some clubs that you like and feel confident with but are looking to build up your collection to a full set, Pinemeadow Men’s PGX Golf Set could be the most cost-effective kickstart to your golf game. They are better suited for taller players, however, so keep that in mind as you browse.

Alternatively, if it’s a more affordable and comprehensive option you’re looking for, the Confidence Golf Men’s Power V3 is an excellent decision. These clubs will allow you to build up your skill, and by the time you outgrow them, you’ll have a real idea of what specific features you want to be emphasized in your next set.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are many excellent options for you to consider as you dive back into golf. Whether you’re looking to buy a few crucial irons like the XXIO Irons Set or a full line-up of new equipment like the Wilson’s Men’s Complete Set, you will find clubs to take you to the next level.

So now, it’s time to make a note of a few models you’re intrigued by and get into a shop to try out the feel of the clubs themselves! No amount of theory can replace getting a feel for the clubs’ weight and feel in person. Check these out and get back onto the course!

Sources

8 Best Golf Shoes for Hot Weather

When you’re making your way around the course, the last thing you want is to be distracted by overheating or sweaty feet. Many of the best and most classic golf shoes are made of leather, and though this is an elegant and traditional choice, leather shoes can become uncomfortable in hot weather. But what are the best golf shoes for hot weather?

The best golf shoes for hot weather are the TRUE linkswear Eco Knit shoes. They are breathable and extremely lightweight, offering both comfort and stability on the course. For hot weather, you want a shoe with great ventilation to keep your foot cool.

There are a lot of excellent golf shoes out there these days, so we’ve rounded up the best for you to choose from. The rest of this article will look at the eight best golf shoes for playing in hot weather, evaluating the breathability, comfort, and stability of each pair, as well as any other notable characteristics.

TRUE linkswear Eco Knit Golf Shoe

TRUE linkswear does what they are so good at and creates something so comfortable that you’ll want to wear this shoe in your everyday life just as much as for a day on the links.

One reason for this is the zero drop heel on the Eco Knit.

Most golf shoes position your feet on a downward slope, but this keeps your foot level and flat. This might not be what you’re used to, but it does lead to increased comfort, especially over long periods because your leg is at a better angle.

The Eco Knit also has a toe box that is slightly wider than typical golf shoes, which mimic the true shape of the foot for a better and more comfortable fit.

The footbed is cushioned, and the outsole is designed not simply for traction on the grass but also to be wearable on the street and the rest of your day.

When it comes to breathability, these shoes deliver great ventilation. The upper is made of knit fabric, which means that it is full of tiny holes for excellent airflow to keep your feet cool.

This shoe’s lightness is pretty extraordinary: it is approximately 2/3 of the weight of the previous shoe in the Knit collection, coming in at 7.4 ounces (212 grams).

This is not only TRUE linkswear’s lightest shoe but might actually be one of the lightest shoes in golf. This contributes substantially to the two main factors we are considering in this list: comfort and breathability.

Try this shoe out, especially if you have been wearing a heavier leather shoe as your go-to—you may be surprised by how much you enjoy a lighter model.

When it comes to stability and traction for performance, the Eco Knit aims for aggressive grip, with rubber spikes on the sole to keep you steady.

They also offer more lateral stability than some of the other Knit shoes in TRUE linkswear’s collection, which is a good modification.

One perk of these shoes is the fact that the uppers are made of 100% post-consumer, recycled materials—hence the ‘Eco’ in the title.

They also come in a reusable bag rather than the more traditional disposable packaging. It is great to see some steps in the direction of sustainability in the golf equipment industry.

While not properly waterproof, the Eco Knit is water-resistant—not up for a game in the rain or soaked grass, but they’ll hold up against morning dew.

Pros	Cons
Sneaker-like look for everyday wear Made of recycled materials Very comfortable Lightly water-resistant	Some players may not like the flat drop heel at first Not a lot of arch support in the insole

adidas Men’s Climacool-M Shoe

In this shoe, adidas modifies their supernova running shoe to create a golf shoe that is lightweight and flexible, perfect for walking the course.

You would expect a shoe that evolved from a running shoe to feature great ventilation, and the Climacool shoe definitely delivers in this area.

The breathability on this shoe is ensured by the mesh Climacool upper, which provides 360-degree ventilation to the foot to keep you cool and dry.

On top of this, the TPU saddle of the shoe is perforated for extra airflow. The built-in, incredibly light cloudfoam sock liner wicks moisture away from the foot, so you can play all day long without becoming uncomfortable.

In fact, the comfort of this model is a big selling point, which makes them a great choice if you like to walk the course. The sock liner and mesh upper mold to your foot for a lightweight and yet supportive fit.

Also, the shoe’s stretch gore collar gives you an extra-secure fit around the ankle and top of the foot without becoming restrictive.

One other nice feature here is that the outsole is made with spineless puremotion technology for increased flexibility.

When it comes to grip and stability, it is important to note that these shoes have studs rather than spikes. Some players like this better for walking, and it does make these shoes easier to clean and brush off at the end of a long day.

The outer sole of the Climacool shoe is made of durable rubber, with lugs that grip the ground for long-lasting traction, keeping you steady. You’re unlikely to lose much in terms of stability if you switch to these shoes.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that these do run small—order a size up to be safe. They are also not waterproof, so you will just want to avoid damp grass and, of course, rain.

Pros	Cons
Very comfortable fit Excellent ventilation Flexible runner’s model for easy movement	Not waterproof Some users report that the foam-like lugs at the center of the sole wear down faster than the rubber ones

adidas Women’s Cage Climacool Golf Shoe

This addition to adidas’ Climacool line is a welcome one.

It accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do—it delivers a breathable and comfortable golf shoe, perfect for a day of hot weather.

The excellent ventilation on this shoe is a key feature. The upper is 100% mesh, and adidas has developed the material—trademarked ‘Climacool mesh’—to be extremely breathable from every direction on the foot.

Not only does it allow air in and out, but it also cuts down on sweat moisture to keep you comfortably dry no matter how hot it is outside.

This shoe is very comfortable—if you are looking for something that will remain easy to walk in even after a long day, you have found it here.

The softness of the mesh upper combines the built-in sock liner to really fit on your foot, while the cloudfoam midsole offers a gently cushioned tread, and the flexibility of the entire shoe reduces chafing and makes movement effortless.

When it comes to the traction you need, the rubber studs on the outsole give you a good grip on the ground, and adidas have built extra traction into the heel-to-toe zone to really anchor you in your swing.

They’ve also added some increased lateral stability to the middle of the foot, which is a nice feature in such a soft and flexible shoe.

These are a subtle and stylish option, and they come in three muted and elegant colors. They are not waterproof, so save them for sunny days, but they are a comfortable and breathable pair of golf shoes for hot weather.

Pros	Cons
Cool and breathable Soft and comfortable for all foot widths	Not waterproof Limited colors available Lacks the more intense stability of a spiked sole

Skechers GO GOLF Torque – Sport RF Golf Shoe

The Skechers Golf Torque shoes take comfort as a top priority, with an ultra flight midsole that gives you plenty of cushioning.

Resalyte technology is a Skechers patented innovation of lightweight injectable material with foam-like memory retention qualities.

This material gives the shoe’s footbed a supportive padding and absorbs the jarring from impact. These are shoes that you can walk a whole day in without realizing all the time that you’ve spent on your feet.

These shoes are great for playing golf in hot weather because the top part of the upper is made of mesh to allow for air circulation around the foot.

The bottom half of the shoe is water-resistant, but rain and other moisture will come through this upper mesh, so keep these shoes for hot and sunny days.

One thing that sets these shoes apart from the others on the list is the sole. Many of the breathable golf shoes we’ve considered have rubber studs as their only form of traction.

The Skechers Golf Torque shoe, however, has not only permanent rubber lugs but also features removable softspikes.

This gives the shoe excellent grip to really plant you in all kinds of conditions, and the spikes are replaceable, which means that if you wear them down, you don’t have to buy a whole new pair of shoes—you can simply buy new spikes.

These shoes do have a relaxed fit, with more than the typical amount of room around the toes, making them perfect if you have wider feet or even simply prefer a roomier pair of shoes.

However, if you prefer a more molded shoe for a more flexible, sock-like fit, you may want to look elsewhere.

Overall, these shoes are a breathable, comfortable choice for playing in the summertime—well worth the investment.

Pros	Cons
Removable and replaceable spikes on the sole Very comfortable	Not waterproof Roomier fit may not suit all players Not as flexible as some other shoes

FootJoy Women’s Sport Tf Boa

FootJoy dominates the golf shoe market, and for good reason.

Their shoes’ quality is undeniable, and this Women’s Sport golf shoe collaboration with BOA is no different.

This is a shoe that is designed for performance.

The most popular type of spike is the pulsar cleat—it’s the top-selling and most used by professionals, and it forms the base of this shoe.

The radiused legs on these cleats grip into the ground to give you possibly the best traction of all the shoes on this list so far.

The ratio of solid material to mesh on this shoe’s upper is higher than many others in this shoe category, which means that these offer a little more lateral support and structure to you.

The upper panels of mesh allow for airflow for increased breathability on hot days.

One cool feature of this shoe is the dial mounted on the heel.

This, called ‘the Boa Fit System,’ is an adjustable knob that allows you greater control over the fit of the shoe, giving you the option to tighten it or leave it a little more roomy.

This is great for adjusting throughout the day as your needs change.

Keep in mind as you order that this shoe does run a little small, so consider getting a half-size bigger than you usually wear.

One thing that also sets these shoes apart on the list is that they are waterproof. Footjoy offers a two-year warranty on them, so that’s an extra layer of security.

Pros	Cons
Excellent traction with the pulsar cleat Waterproof Boa Fit System helps fit the shoe to your foot	Limited colors available Runs small Less ventilation than some other shoes

PUMA Men’s Grip Fusion Sport Golf Shoe

Puma has been ahead of the pack for a while now with their lightweight and spikeless shoes.

These are a great example of what a leading brand can do with years of experience.

For the Puma Grip Fusion Sport, Puma updates their popular Puma Grip Fusion shoe in a number of ways, including the replacement of plastic panels with performance mesh panels.

This keeps your feet ventilated and vastly improves the breathability of the shoe.

The inner sole of this shoe is something special, with what Puma calls ‘Fusion Foam.’

This is a combination of incredibly soft EVA foam and ultra-responsive rubber, which work together in the sole to give you efficient energy return and comfortable cushioning.

They have also worked on the shoe’s shape and fit, which now has ‘Comfort Grip.’ It has been tweaked and made rounder and more accurate to the anatomically correct shape of the foot.

All of these factors combine into a beautifully comfortable shoe, one which many users say does not require a break-in period.

In terms of the traction it provides, Puma has given this shoe a pattern of lugs on the rubber sole inspired by nature, with a variegated organization of ridges calculated to give you a greater grip on the swing.

While not exactly waterproof, these shoes do hold up well to dew and light moisture.

Pros	Cons
Excellent spikeless grip Very comfortable Versatile, can be worn in everyday life	Some users have trouble with a seam in chafing them inside the shoe

PUMA Golf Puma Men’s Ignite Pwrsport Shoe

If you’re looking for a shoe that will perform just as well on wet days as in hot weather, the Puma Ignite Pwrsport Shoe could be the one for you.

This shoe has uppers made of a non-stretching mesh that is, unlike most others on this list, actually waterproof.

It comes with a 1-year waterproof guarantee, so even if you get caught in some showers, your feet will be dry. This also makes cleaning these shoes as easy as wiping them down.

The Powercage TPU saddle on this shoe is designed to give you the lateral support you need during your swing, while the body of the shoe itself molds to your foot.

This stability is only increased by the traction conveyed by their spikeless rubber lug soles, which are strategically arranged to anchor your foot.

The inner sole uses Ignite Foam, a proprietary design by Puma, for bouncy and stable cushioning.

The toe area is slightly narrower than on some shoes, so consider ordering a half a size bigger if you have a wider front foot.

With faux-leather accents and a range of color combinations, this shoe gives you the opportunity to feel confident not only in your game but also in your style.

Pros	Cons
Waterproof and easy to clean Stylish options Versatile, can be worn in everyday life	Small in the toe area

Nike Flyknit Racer G Golf Shoe

These shoes lead with breathability, keeping your feet cool with the flyknit construction of their lightweight uppers.

The lining keeps debris out and molds to your foot without sacrificing anything on ventilation. The air circulation cools down sweat and keeps you comfortable.

This golf shoe is based on the Nike Flyknit Racer shoe, which was created to give athletes and runners a light, tight, glove-like fit. This fit means that the shoe moves with the foot for flexibility and comfort.

The Zoom Air unit built in to the bottom of the shoe enhances your comfort. Again, this was created for runners, so it holds up wonderfully to a long day of walking the course.

Nike’s integrated traction pattern on the sole works to give you grip no matter what direction you’re moving and anchor you down without having aggressive spikes.

The pattern is subtle enough that you could wear these shoes as street style too if you wanted. This will appeal to you if traditional golf shoes feel stuffy or outdated.

Altogether, these are a great union of striking style with flexible substance to create a lightweight, breathable shoe, perfect for summer days.

Pros	Cons
Lightweight Very breathable Stylish options Versatile, can be worn in everyday life	Not as supportive as some shoes

Why Do You Need Golf Shoes?

If you’re new to the game, you may be wondering if you really need to invest in a pair of golf shoes. Why can’t you just wear the athletic shoes you already have?

It may seem silly to buy a whole new pair just for this sport, but the truth is that if you want to improve your game, you will need shoes that are tailored to the demands of the sport.

You need golf shoes to keep you stable during your swing. The swing carries a lot of force and momentum.

Having a stable stance is really important so that all that energy is directed into moving the club and hitting the ball, and not into any overbalancing or unnecessary movement.

Shoes that aren’t equipped with proper traction on the soles will be slippery, especially on the grass of a golf course.

Many golf shoes actually have spikes on the sole like soccer cleats in order to provide maximum stability, but it’s not a good idea to wear soccer cleats themselves onto the course.

This is because soccer shoes, designed for speed, are deliberately thin and narrow.

This will not help you stand firm and control your movement during the swing. Instead, you need the broader soles of a golf shoe, which offer the support and stability to make a great shot.

The right golf shoe is an underrated but important part of any golfer’s equipment, and finding a pair of golf shoes that work for you is an investment in your swing and your game as a whole.

These days, there are various models of golf shoes, and not all of them have spikes.

History

Like many early innovations in the game, the first shoes ever going on record as being modified to make it easier to play golf were in Scotland.

These were largely made of leather, which slipped easily on the grass and made strokes more challenging.

In the mid-19th century, when golf was rising in popularity, people began to come up with creative solutions to stabilize their stance.

A trend arose where players hammered nails through the bottoms of their shoes to give a spiked effect to the sole that increased their traction on the grass.

Spiked Shoes

Despite the injuries (and, presumably, risk of tetanus) that this rudimentary method left players vulnerable to (dislodged nails are no joke), it helped the game so much that its popularity continued to rise.

Eventually, in 1891, this led to a sole that was designed with metal spikes screwed into the sole itself, keeping the foot safe. Golfers everywhere rejoiced.

At this point, uppers were exclusively made of leather—often the iconic Oxford Saddle shoe pattern. While waterproof—a necessary feature in rainy Scotland— these shoes were not breathable and became uncomfortable in hot weather. They also developed a reputation for being uncomfortable.

The golf shoe’s next major innovation wasn’t until the 1960s when a sole that had threaded sockets was invented so that the metal spikes could be removed and replaced.

This meant the shoes could outlive the spikes themselves, resulting in longer-lasting and more durable footwear.

These metal spikes had a downside, though. As you can imagine, they did serious damage to the greens, tearing up the turf and leaving holes. This got so bad that golf clubs began to ban the use of these shoes.

However, change was coming. Plastics and rubbers had begun to be used in commercial sneakers and sporting shoes in the 70s and 80s, and these new materials changed the way golf shoes were made, too.

The metal spikes were replaced with softer plastic, and the uppers of the shoes became more flexible and naturally-shaped.

This not only protected the grass on the courses but also created a generation of much more comfortable golf shoes.

Spikeless Shoes

Sporting goods brands began to experiment with golf shoes that didn’t have the traditional spikes, but it wasn’t until 2010, when Fred Couples – in a long tradition of professional players popularizing different types of kit – wore a pair of spikeless golf shoes to the Master’s, that this style took off in popularity.

These days, spikeless golf shoes that rely on rubber molding to provide traction are key parts of the market.

They are often more comfortable than spiked shoes, but their great appeal also lies in the fact that they can be worn off the grass as well. This gives players a smooth transition on and off the course.

While unlikely to be the main shoe of choice for professional golfers, spikeless shoes can be an excellent investment for more casual players.

A golf shoe that can also be worn in normal life, whether for other athletic pursuits or simply in day to day activities, will be worn more than a pair of shoes dedicated only to golfing.

For some players, this makes it worth it to go the extra mile and buy a pair.

Final Thoughts

These days, top sporting brands are competing to bring you the most comfortable, breathable, and stable shoes. You’re spoiled for choice.

Whether you live in a hot climate and are looking for a pair of golf shoes to go the distance in warm weather, or if you’re simply looking for an extra pair to bring out when summer rolls around, you are sure to find something on this list that will work for you.

Sources

12 Best Golf Balls for Under $30 (2021)

Your time on the golf course doesn’t have to be frustrating because you lose your expensive balls almost every time you play the game. There are golf balls with excellent aerodynamics, low spin, and great shot accuracy. They also do not cost a premium, and most are available for under $30.

The best golf ball under $30 that satisfies optics, control, feel, and accuracy is the Titleist Velocity Golf Ball. This golf ball has remarkable aerodynamics that minimizes drive spin, a large core that ensures enhanced speed, and many more features, as you’ll see later in this review.

Buying the right golf ball cannot be overemphasized as it is an integral part of what determines your success on the greens. To help you make a more informed buying decision, we’ve rounded up some of the best golf balls under $30.

Titleist Velocity Golf Balls

The first spot in our list of the best golf balls under $30 is the Titleist Velocity Golf Ball.

Titleist Velocity has a design that allows for long-distance shots with maximum velocity and minimal spin.

Its core (an LSX) size is larger than the versions produced in previous years.

This feature gives it the stability it requires to provide as little spin as possible. Low spin, in turn, allows the ball to travel longer distances on the green. Also, this size allows for just enough spin to provide better iron stability.

The Titleist Velocity golf ball’s recommended aerodynamics is supported by the 350 octahedral dimple pattern covering its sphere. It gives the ball a high flight in a full swing shot and a consistent movement for long distances.

Its playability, demonstrated by the ball’s feel against a clubhead, is possible because it features the Fast NaZ+ that enhances its speed.

Titleist Velocity golf balls are available in three matte colors: pink, green, and orange. It is also available in the traditional white color.

Specs

Core: High-Speed LSX
Cover: Fast NaZ+
Construction: 2-piece
Pattern: Octahedral Dimple.
Color: Matte Pink, Matte Green, Matte Orange, and White

Callaway Supersoft Golf Balls

Are you a golfer that loves your long shots with little or no spin? This golf ball is the right choice for you.

These balls travel long distances with immense speed and low spin, and they have a soft feel.

The most endearing feature of the Callaway Supersoft Golf Balls is its HEX covering that provides excellent aerodynamics. The HEX covering is why this golf ball can travel long distances and maintain a straighter path than most golf balls.

It also helps to reduce drag and simultaneously improve its lift. So, when you make a shot, the ball flies higher, straighter, and faster, giving you a more accurate shot.

It has excellent optics as it is available in different colors, including white, yellow, matte green, matte orange, matte red, and matte pink. These colors make it almost impossible to lose the ball on the golf course.

Its core has ultra-low compression, a feature that makes it travel fast. This feature, in combination with the HEX cover, reduces drag and provides low spin.

The trademark name “Supersoft” results from the Trionomer cover that makes it feel softer than most balls and gives your shots more accuracy on the greens.

Specs

Core: Ultra-low Compression
Cover: Advanced Trionomer
Construction: 2-Piece
Pattern: HEX Dimple
Color: Matte Pink, Matte Green, Matte Orange, Matte Red, Yellow, and White

Vice Tour Golf Balls

If you need a durable golf ball that’s suitable for long-distance shots, allows little or no dispersion, and has excellent aerodynamics, the Vice Tour Golf Ball is the answer.

This ball is designed to suit all types of golf players. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or pro, the Vice Tour will serve its purpose. This ball adapts to every type of shot.

The Vice Tour golf ball is made of the 3-piece DuPont Surlyn ball construction, making it cut-resistant and extremely durable. This design ensures durability, but it also aids in the ball’s speed, allowing low spin, and helps your shot travel long distances. Because of this feature, it is more suitable for medium to long-distance shooters.

The 3-Piece design also gives you a solid feel, providing you with that added assurance that the ball will go where it’s directed.

There is a black line on the Vice Tour ball that helps “Keep In Line.” The KIL feature gives a putter more optical alignment when addressing the ball on the green.

The ball possesses excellent aerodynamics due to its dimple patterns. The 392 dimple patterns help the ball to maintain a stable and constant travel trajectory and allows minimum deviation from its travel path. This feature also gives you more accurate and faster shots.

Specs

Core: Energy Speed Core (ESC)
Cover: DuPont Surlyn
Construction: 3-piece
Pattern: Dimple
Color: White

Wilson Smart Core Golf Ball

A golf ball with intelligence, yes. The Wilson Smart Core Golf Ball is arguably the only golf ball that reacts to the player’s swing, depending on the hit’s direction and intensity.

While its intelligence is commendable, it is best used for distance shots.

The intelligence of the Wilson Smart is noticeable when you aim for long-distances and follow it up with short distance shots. It reacts with your swing speed to yield the desired result.

For short shots, the ball creates spin and controls itself towards the direction it is hit. However, on a long shot, it eliminates as much spin as possible, so it can travel more distance and make your shot more accurate.

The cover of the Wilson Smart is made of 2-layer Ionomer, making it a durable golf ball choice. With all these features, you can be sure your smart golf ball will remain functional and of good quality in different conditions.

Specs

Core: Smart Core
Cover: Ionomer
Construction: 2-piece
Pattern: Dimple
Color: White

Srixon Q-Star Tour 2 Golf Balls

One thing that tour golf balls are known for is the long-distance shots they’re suitable for.

They are designed to have less drag and spin and an exceptional lift. The Srixon Q-Star Tour Golf Ball possesses all these qualities and more at an amazingly affordable price.

Its cover is made with premium urethane, coated in Spinskin and Slide Ring Material (SeRM). These cover materials help the ball attain an impressive spin on the green for short-distance shots.

The urethane cover’s elastic nature gives you more control of your shots due to the increased friction around your wedges and iron grooves.

The softness that creates a spin on shots may lead you to think this ball will not perform well on long shots, but you’ll be surprised.

Its core is made with FastLayer, which enhances long-distance shots off the tee. This core comprises thousands of layers, compressed to form a solid and firm core that gives you enough speed and less spin than you’d experience with short shots.

Aerodynamics is taken care of by the 338 Speed Dimple Pattern Optimal dimple pattern on the cover.

This dimple pattern ensures that your ball experiences low drags and side spins when used for long-distance shots. It also ensures the ball travels straight, giving you greater shot accuracy.

With the Srixon Q-Star Tour 2 Golf Ball, you will experience amazing long-distance shots with less drag and side spin and the not so familiar soft feel of traditional tour golf balls.

Specs

Core: FastLayer
Cover: Tour Urethane Cover
Construction: 3-piece
Pattern: Speed Dimple
Color: White

Callaway Warbird Golf Balls

The Warbird is another long-distance golf ball from Callaway.

Callaway is known for the quality of the core of their balls, and the Warbird core is no exception.

When you think of Callaway Warbird, you think of a strong distance ball. The ball is designed to cover great distances with its high energy core that allows it to react with your swing speed. The large size and high-energy of the core give you a long distance off the tee.

Note that you need an outstanding swing speed to reach the desired distance to propel your core and carry the ball through the path.

You will experience increased speed and distance with Callaway’s HEX Aerodynamics Technology, powered by a 2-Piece cover and Dimple Pattern that does not allow drag and spin. It also ensures your shots are faster and more accurate.

Its cover material is Ionomer, ensuring durability and a great solid feel off the club.

Specs

Core: High Energy
Cover: Ionomer
Construction: 2-piece
Pattern: HEX Dimple
Color: Yellow and White

Mizuno RB 566V Golf Ball

Although Mizuno is relatively new in the golfing equipment industry, it has produced a remarkable low compression ball that takes a higher travel trajectory than most golf balls.

It is specially designed to have a bounce on landing to gain more distance after it has landed.

This feature makes it suited to players with slow swing speed who need the extra distance boost.

The Mizuno RB 566V Golf Ball is a 3-piece golf ball, with improvement over previous 2-Piece construction balls. This construction increases the ball’s take-off velocity off the tee.

It has a rubber layer that wraps around its soft compression core, and on the outer part is the Ionomer cover finishing that bears the dimple pattern.

The RB 566V has better-improved aerodynamics due to the outer finishing that has micro-dimples in the dimples. If counted, you’ll find them to be 566, hence, the name Mizuno RB 566V.

The dimples and micro dimples help resist wind pressure and allow the ball to travel longer distances by reducing drag.

Specs

Core: Soft Compression
Cover: Ionomer
Construction: 3-Piece
Pattern: 566 Micro-dimple design
Color: White

Wilson Prime Distance Golf Balls

Are you a high handicapper? This golf ball suits you perfectly.

Like most golf balls reviewed in this article, the Wilson Prime minimizes spin and maximizes distance.

It has a high energy core that translates your swing speed into longer distance traveled by the ball. The core aids the ball’s speed, which allows its passage through the wind easier by resisting the wind’s pull.

Its cover material also contributes to the excellent performance of the golf ball. The ball is made of Ionomer, a material known to promote durability and reduce drag and ball spin.

The spin reduction leads to increased travel distance, and it is aided by the dimple pattern on the outer cover of the ball.

The dimple pattern also has an added function of reducing slices and hooks. It also reduces side spin and drags, which is essential in enhancing the ball’s aerodynamics. All these features help to ensure greater shot accuracy.

Specs

Core: High Energy Core
Cover: Ionomer
Construction: 2-Piece
Pattern: Dimple
Color: White

Nitro Ultimate Distance Golf Ball

From the name, it’s easy to tell that this golf ball is one for high handicappers.

The Nitro Ultimate is one of the golf balls suitable for long-distance targets. Its core, cover, and pattern that dictates its aerodynamic prowess deliver an improved result.

From the name, it’s easy to tell that this golf ball is one for high handicappers. The Nitro Ultimate is one of the golf balls suitable for long-distance targets. Its core, cover, and pattern that dictates its aerodynamic prowess deliver an improved result.

The Nitro Ultimate’s cover is made of Dupont Lithium Surlyn, a cut-resistant material and announces durability when mentioned. This cover material assures you of good value for your money as the ball will serve you for longer.

It has a 2-Piece titanium core that accepts energy from the clubhead. This increased energy makes the ball accelerate off the tee and straight towards the target with little side spin and drags.

Nitro Ultimate’s dimple patterns aid the ball’s aerodynamics. This pattern design increases the ball’s lift and decreases drag to allow for long-distance shots. The dimple pattern and the titanium cover influence the ball’s feel on the clubhead.

This ball is a great asset as it is available in a highly-visible orange color to ensure you don’t easily lose the ball. It has 15 units in its pack for under $30—great value for the price.

Specs

Core: Super Reactive Titanium
Cover: Dupont Lithium Surlyn
Construction: 2-Piece
Pattern: Symmetrical Dimple
Color: Orange

Maxfli SoftFli Matte Golf Balls

This golf ball offers excellent performance both off the tee and on the greens.

It has a 2-Piece construction, a durable cover that works in tandem with the core and pattern to enhance its performance.

Its core is fitted with the 35 compression SoftFli that allows the ball usable on both the greens and the tee. In combination with the cover, the core provides a great feeling when the clubhead hits the ball.

It also helps the ball travel longer distances by minimizing drive spin and transferring energy from your swing to the ball.

Its Ionomer cover also contributes to its soft feel and ensures durability. The Ionomer also gives you better control over the greens as it gives you an adequate spin.

It also has dimple patterns on the cover that improves its aerodynamics. The pattern design is responsible for the ball’s straight travel path, ensuring a more accurate shot.

The 332 dimple pattern is also responsible for translating your swing speed, with the aid of the core, into long-distance travel.

The Maxfli SoftFli Matte golf ball is available in bright and beautiful colors that make it easier to find the ball.

Its 2-Piece construction and other specifications conform to USGA rules, making them suitable for professional practice.

Specs

Core: 35 Compression SoftFli
Cover: Ionomer
Construction: 2-Piece
Pattern: Dimple
Color: Blue, Pink, Green, and Orange

TaylorMade Project (S) Golf Balls

TaylorMade is a well-known name in the golfing equipment industry and has produced quality golf balls that cover great distances with less driver spin.

As you would expect, Taylor Made doesn’t fail to deliver with the Project (S) as it is fitted with a dual-distance core and an improved aerodynamic cover.

The dual-distance core is a large double-layer system with a low compression inner core. The ball’s inner core and outer core minimizes driver spin, increases ball speed, and gives the ball a soft feel that maintains velocity and discourages rebound.

Unlike the TaylorMade Project (A), which uses urethane as the cover material, this golf ball has an Ionomer cover, a material that encourages long-distance shots. Project (S) is a good fit for the greens and off the tees.

The Project (S) also sports the brand’s high lift 342LDP dimple pattern on its outer cover, improving the ball’s aerodynamics and reducing drag as the ball cuts through the air.

Project (S) golf balls come in a range of vibrant colors that make it difficult to lose sight of them on the greens. They are available in white, matte yellow, matte red, and matte orange. These matte-colored balls are more suitable for long distances.

Specs

Core: Double Layer Dual-Distance
Construction: 3-piece
Cover material: Ionomer
Pattern: High Lift 342LDP Dimple
Color: White, Matte Yellow, Matte Red, and Matte Orange

Bridgestone Golf E12 Speed Golf Balls

Here is another 3-layer golf ball that offers great control and shooting accuracy.

It can provide this control and shooting accuracy because of its core, cover material, and pattern design.

This golf ball is known for speed, as its name suggests. This remarkable speed is made possible by its Active Acceleration Mantle layer, one of the ball’s three layers.

This layer is made of High-performance Polymer material that provides increased initial velocity for the ball and higher thrust. This feature makes this golf ball suitable for players with high swing speed.

Its aerodynamics is improved due to its pattern design. It features the brand’s Delta Wing Dimple pattern on its outer cover.

This pattern design reduces drag, minimizes drive spin, and ensures smoother airflow. These features combine to improve the ball’s straight distance properties and provide more accurate shots.

Specs

Core: Active Acceleration Mantle
Cover: Plastic
Construction: 3-piece
Pattern: Delta Wing Dimple
Color: White

What to Know Before Buying a Golf Ball

Being successful on a golf course goes beyond setting up your tee, placing your ball on it, and swinging your club to send it into the distance. There’s a science, a technique, and a know-how that is needed.

If you want to be consistently successful on the course and earn the respect of other players, you should familiarize yourself with these know-hows. Below, we’ll briefly go through some of the things you should know about golf balls before buying one.

What Makes up a Golf Ball?

You must have wondered at one point why only golf balls take off the way they do when hit with the club. Why don’t other balls with similar properties do the same? Why can’t other balls be used instead of golf balls? The answer is in the way golf balls are made.

A golf ball is made of three important parts, and these parts are instrumental to how it responds to the force it gets from your swing, the wind that rushes against it in its flight, and how it lands on the course. These parts are the core, the cover, and the dimple.

The Core

The core of a golf ball is the innermost part of the ball. It is the seat of power and what influences the initial velocity and spin rate of a ball. It also affects the compression of a ball.

The golf ball’s compression refers to how it reacts to the pressure when struck by a golf club. A compression rating that exceeds 100 is suitable for golfers with really high swing speed, while a rating of 90 is better suited to players with slower swing speed.

The Cover

The cover follows the core. In most cases, the core is either made of urethane or Surlyn. Urethane covers are thinner and mostly preferred by professionals because it is easy to control.

Surlyn is more suitable for beginners due to its durability and ability to minimize spin. Generally, the cover influences the feel of the golf ball.

The Patterns

The patterns are the small indentations you see on the outer covering of the golf ball. They are present on the ball to reduce drag and ensure it travels straight along its trajectory.

Without these patterns, a golf ball will be unable to travel long distances. Different balls have different numbers of patterns, depending on their manufacturers and the type of ball.

What Is Ball Construction Type?

There are mainly two types of construction when it comes to golf balls: two-piece and three-piece constructions.

These constructions help determine what type of ball is suitable for a player according to their experience on the course.

Two-piece golf balls are made up of only two layers: the core and the cover. They are most suited to beginners and high-handicappers because they are thick and durable. This type of ball also addresses issues such as slices and hooks common in beginners’ plays.
The three-piece golf balls are more suitable for professional golfers as they have more than two layers. They are sometimes called Multi-layer golf balls because they have other layers between the core and the cover. They have a better feel, lift, and control than the two-piece types.

Types of Golf Balls

There are different types of golf balls. We have looked at the anatomy and construction of golf balls. Now, let’s consider the golf ball type that is right for you based on your experience.

Distance: This type of golf ball is multi-layered and used for aiming long-distance shots. Their multiple layers help to provide more control, feel, and lift. These features make them appropriate for intermediate and professional golfers.
Soft feel: Soft feel golf ball usually has low compression and offers a higher level of control. The low compression allows the ball to shape based on impact, reduce spin, and maintain a longer drive.
Tour performance: This type of golf ball is for mid-handicappers and low-handicappers. It is a multi-layer ball designed for enhanced control and feels due to its core, layer, and cover designs. The outer cover is usually thin to increase control spin further and improve feel.

As you must have seen by now, not all golf balls are the same. The difference is mostly based on the purpose, target player, or construction type of the ball.

However, you can use a golf ball different from other golfers with the same experience as you. You can do this by using either personalized golf balls or balls with high visibility.

Personalized golf balls have inscriptions of your choice on the ball.
High-visibility golf balls are golf balls that are hard to miss on the course. They have high optics due to their color. They can be in gloss or matte color.

Final Thoughts

You should enjoy golfing as a hobby without breaking the bank. It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner, intermediate, or pro golfer.

While these balls may not be in the premium or high class used by advanced players, they have similar qualities to those that cost an arm and a leg and offer better value for money.

When choosing a golf ball, consider its features such as the core material, cover material, and pattern design. You should also consider the construction type and design properties such as compression rating, number of layers, and level of spin.

Sources

3 Wood vs. 3 Hybrid: Which Should You Use?

Golf is a very popular pastime, no matter where you are in the world. And though it seems like an easy thing to pick up, in truth, there is a lot of knowledge and technique that goes into playing golf. Part of that knowledge is knowing when to use, which club, and what material is the best for each club.

You should use a 3 wood club if you want to achieve longer and lower shots on a clean and even green and if you are an advanced player. If you are new to golf, consider using a 3 hybrid, as it will give you greater accuracy; however, it will not give you as much distance as a 3 wood will.

Throughout this article, we will be helping you choose the best club for your preference, and we will be discussing what ‘3’ golf clubs are for, what the difference between 3 wood and 3 hybrids are, and which one of the two you should use. Let us dive right in!

What Is a “3” Golf Club?

If you are new to golf, telling the difference between all of the different types of golf clubs and knowing why and when you need to use each one can be confusing and sometimes downright off-putting, but once you’ve learned the basics of each club, you’ll understand why there are so many.

To understand the difference between a 3 wood and a 3 hybrid, and to know which one of the two you should use, you first need to understand what a ‘3’ golf club is and what it is used for.

Each golf club has a number assigned to it that indicates its ‘loft,’ which can be described as the angle of the golf club’s face. The angle of a golf club’s face will influence the distance the ball travels and the height it reaches.

The lower the number on the club, the lower the loft of the clubface will be.

This means that the clubface’s angle will be lower, and so the ball will travel at a lower angle when hit. However, it also means that the ball can travel a lot farther.

The average distance for a man using a 3 wood, for instance, is 230 yards (210 meters).

A number 3 club is often referred to as one of the fairway clubs because they are most often used during the game’s second shot when players are on the fairway.

They are used to deliver low and long shots. The shaft of a ‘3’ club is typically ½ an inch (1.27 cm) shorter than that of a driver, making it roughly 441/2 inches (113 cm) long, and they have a loft angle of anywhere between 15° and 23°.

Now that you know the basics of a ‘3’ golf club, we can move on to the differences between a 3 wood and a 3 hybrid golf club.

What Is the Difference Between a 3 Wood and a 3 Hybrid?

Understanding the difference between a wood and a hybrid golf club will help you decide when you want to buy your first (or a new) golf club.

3 wood golf clubs have been around for a very long time and were created with the aim of allowing golfers to get some extra distance in their shots, especially on the fairway.

However, many golfers have said that it is challenging to strike accurately from the deck when using a 3 wood, and they were much easier to use where one could tee the ball up.

When hybrids were first introduced (relatively recently), they were sometimes marketed as ‘rescue clubs’ that would help golfers improve their game.

They were made because golfers were having trouble with consistency and accuracy when using their long irons. They were mostly used by the beginner or intermediate players, but now even the pros use hybrids.

Hybrids have been consistently growing in popularity because the clubhead’s size and design make them a lot easier to strike than a 3 iron, giving golfers much more confidence in what they can expect from their shot.

They have become so popular that many golf club manufacturers have removed the 3 irons from their sets and have instead given players the option of purchasing a 3 hybrid.

But let us move away from the marketing side of things now, and get into the real differences between 3 wood and 3 hybrids.

Difference in Loft

The first difference you will find between the 3 wood and 3 hybrid club is the difference in loft angles.

They differ a great deal for two clubs with the same number, and therefore you will also see a considerable difference in the distance at which you can hit a ball with each of these clubs.

As explained previously, the loft angle of a club’s face has a significant impact on the distance it can travel and the height it can reach as it travels.

A 3 wood club’s loft angle is usually anywhere from 15 to 18 degrees, while the angle on a 3 hybrid’s clubface is more likely to be around 22 or 23 degrees.

As you can see, this is quite a big difference, but it also means that these two types of number 3 clubs are not really in direct competition with each other in terms of trajectory, as each of them will provide golfers with a different result.

Striking a ball with a 3 wood will give players a more extended shot, while hitting with a 3 hybrid will offer players more height.

Both of these will come in handy in different situations, and depending on which of these two factors you value more; you will either choose to use a 3 wood or a 3 hybrid golf club.

The Difference in Material and Construction

Next, let us talk about the different materials used to make 3 wood and 3 hybrid clubs as well as the way they are constructed.

The clubhead of a 3 wood is either made from steel, titanium, or a composite. Steel is often used because it is inexpensive and easily manufactured into a small clubhead for a 3 wood. It is also quite a forgiving metal while remaining strong.

Titanium is not used as much for 3 wood clubheads, but a fair few manufacturers prefer to use titanium over steel.

It is a lightweight metal that allows manufacturers to play around with the other components of their clubheads, like moving the center of gravity lower and further to the back of the head, making them more forgiving than steel wood clubs.

However, titanium is an expensive metal to use, making these clubs pricey.

The newest type of wood clubhead is called the composite club head.

Manufacturers use carbon (which is quite a light material) for the crown or the rear of the club, which allows them to weigh their clubheads lower and around the perimeter.

It also makes them more forgiving and lowers manufacturing costs.

The clubhead of a 3 hybrid is usually made of a mix of graphite, steel, and iron, which gives it strength and a lot of forgiveness when hitting a ball.

They also often have a hollow back, allowing manufacturers to further move their center of gravity backward without offsetting the clubhead’s balance.

Shaft Differences

The shafts of 3 wood and 3 hybrid clubs are made of graphite, though they have some other differences like their lengths and thickness.

The shaft of a 3 wood club is often ½ an inch (1.27 cm) longer than the shaft of a 3 hybrid; however, a hybrid’s shaft is slightly heavier than a wood’s shaft because it is slightly thicker (about 1/16 of an inch or 0.16 cm).

The thicker shaft of a hybrid will allow for less twisting of the clubhead when it strikes the ball, making for more accurate shots than those of a wood club.

However, 3 woods often have adjustable hosels while 3 hybrids do not, meaning that you can adjust the angle of the face of a 3 wood but not 3 hybrids.

Difference in Clubheads

There are also a few differences between a 3 wood and a 3 hybrid in terms of clubheads, although they might look quite similar at first glance.

The clubhead of a 3 wood club has an increased volume over that of a 3 hybrid clubhead. However, the 3 hybrid’s clubhead’s sole is more forgiving than the sole of a 3 wood’s head since it is slightly narrower.

The 3 wood’s center of gravity is usually located further to the back of the clubface. A 3 hybrid’s center of gravity is often situated a lot closer to the actual clubface. The location of a 3 wood’s center of gravity will ensure that players get the longest distance out of their shots, while a 3 hybrid will give them better accuracy and control.

A 3 wood golf club’s clubface is bigger than the face of a 3 hybrid’s club, giving it a greater sweet spot than the hybrid. However, a 3 wood face is often slightly curved or bulging outwards, whereas the face of a 3 hybrid mimics that of an iron club and is flat. This means players can hit the ball squarely more easily with a hybrid than with wood.

Differences in Accuracy and Consistency

Your shots’ accuracy and consistency will depend not only on the type of golf club you use; in fact, it mostly depends on how well you play. The shorter shaft and evenly balanced club head of a 3 hybrid club will give them accurate shots more consistently than a 3 wood for beginner and intermediate players. However, they may be sacrificing a bit of distance by using a hybrid.

More advanced players often gravitate towards 3 wood golf clubs because they have developed the skills needed to hit their balls with the same accuracy on a consistent basis and appreciate having the extra distance in their shots. However, if they sometimes strike their ball slightly off-center, it will more likely go offline than if they were using a 3 hybrid.

Distance Difference

Based on what you have read previously, you should be able to guess that a 3 wood club will give your shot more distance than a 3 hybrid club can. However, in turn, a hybrid will provide you with more height, which can come in handy if you are playing on an uneven or rough green or if your ball accidentally lands in a sandpit.

3 hybrids are often used to replace 3 irons, and their shots have a similar expected distance of about 180 to 210 yards (164.6-192 m). However, the distance players can achieve with a 3 wood is usually around 230 yards (210.3 m), which is beneficial in reaching a par 5 green with more ease.

However, any golf shot’s distance is always very dependent on the player, how strong their swing is, and how they use their club. Some players will hit their balls farther, and some will not hit them as far.

If you are interested, here is a video that you can watch that compares hybrids and woods:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndCQIaWJT94

Fairway Wood VS. Hybrid VS. Driving Iron | Which one should you use? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndCQIaWJT94)

Which One Should You Use?

There is never going to be one perfect club for every player and every situation, no matter how hard manufacturers try to make such a thing. Thus every player’s preference and opinion on which one is the better golf club will always differ.

And as you can tell from this article, there are many differences between the two that benefit different reasons. A 3 wood will allow you to hit longer shots, while a 3 hybrid will provide better accuracy.

Generally speaking, if you are playing on a clean and clear green with an even surface or playing against the wind’s direction, it is best to use a 3 wood club.

However, if you are playing on an uneven surface or the rough of the golf course, if you are not a very advanced player and need a lot of forgiveness from your club, and if you are playing downwind, a 3 hybrid club will be your best bet at getting the shot you want.

So it depends on which factors you need to consider and what you want from your club that will decide which of the two you choose.

However, 3 hybrids were technically made to replace 3 irons and not 3 woods, so you might even find that you have both a 3 wood and a 3 hybrid in your golf bag and end up taking your 3 iron out.

Ultimately it is all a matter of personal preference, and you should not feel forced to change your golf setup if it already works for you.

But if you want to change things up a bit, consider replacing the number 3 club you have with either a wood or a hybrid, depending on what you find will be most beneficial to your gameplay.

Some Other Factors to Keep in Mind

While the data presented in this article may compel you to go one way or the other, there are other external factors that you will need to take into consideration when choosing between a 3 wood and a 3 hybrid.

Every golf course you play on will be different and therefore will have a type of club that is better suited to playing on it.

You will need to keep elevation gain and wind speed and direction, and the conditions of the green in mind while you play to make sure you are using the right club for the given situation.

You should also know that certain clubs are easier to use depending on the level of experience and how good of a player you are.

So with that said, knowing the statistical and factual benefits of each type of club is just as important as knowing how external factors will affect how well the clubs can and will perform.

It is also good to remember that clubs from different manufacturers will also vary, even if they have the same number attached to them.

This is because every manufacturer has a different manufacturing process and a differing process of categorizing their clubs. So when you are trying out different types of clubs, it is best to stick with one manufacturer to limit the variance you will encounter.

Conclusion

Trying to find the right golf club for your needs can be quite tricky, but there is one thing that has never failed anyone; trial-and-error.

No matter how much research is done or how much data is presented, you will not find the right number 3 club for you until you have tried a few different ones.

In any event, finding a golf club that you enjoy using will take time, so do not stop trying until you have found one that works the way you want it to.

Sources

Kirkland Golf Balls vs. Titleist Golf Balls: Which Are Better?

As a golfer, you want golf balls that have excellent performance, durability, and at the same time, reasonably priced. Countless brands produce golf balls, and even though you might not wish to go through them all before you settle for one, it is highly unlikely that you will not have used either one of Titleist golf balls or Kirkland golf balls.

Titleist is your best option if you want high-quality golf balls with improved durability, performance, and speed at a premium price. Kirkland golf balls are also of good quality and come at a lower and affordable price. However, there’s also some doubt about the durability of their golf balls.

This article will give you an in-depth comparison of these two brands in the golf sports industry, comprehensively covering their similarities, differences, and some of their popular golf balls.

Kirkland Golf Balls: A Brief Overview

Kirkland golf balls are excellent options as substitutes to premium golf balls.

Since their introduction into the market by Costco in 2016, they have grabbed golfers’ attention because of their affordability and quality.

There has been a level of shade over the manufacturers of the Kirkland golf balls. Costco isn’t a manufacturer of golf equipment; they are known for their wholesale, retail role in varying items, one of them being golf balls.

Costco’s Kirkland was manufactured by a South Korean company, Nassau Golf Co. Ltd. This Company made the first Kirkland Signature golf balls, called K-Sig. However, in 2018, new Kirkland Signature golf balls were released.

An American Subsidiary made these balls of a Korean company named SM Global LLC made these balls. They were different from the K-Sig, drawing adverse reactions from buyers.

Let’s look at some of the golf balls these companies have made for Costco, their performance, and how users reacted to them.

Kirkland Signature Golf Ball (K-Sig)

The original Kirkland signature golf ball, popularly called K-Sig, stormed the market in 2016.

With its ridiculously low price and outstanding performance, it gave the best golf balls in the market a run for their money, literally.

The K-Sig came with a four-piece construction that announced its suitability for great distance shots with the Driver, Wedge, and Iron. It also has good control.

K-Sig Tour Performance starts its awesomeness from its Urethane cover. The cover gives it a soft feel that doesn’t sacrifice distance. It also contributes to the ball’s excellent control, straight flight path, increased speed, and durability.

Its outer core is built to maximize energy transfer from your swing to the ball’s flight, speed, and distance. This feature makes it suitable for a wide range of golf players, from low swing to high swing players. With its large core, multi-layers, soft urethane cover with dimple pattern, its aerodynamics is exceptional.

Generally, it is expected that a good product doesn’t stay long on the shelf, which must be the reason behind its fast sell-out on Costco’s shelves every time it appears.

Kirkland Signature Performance Plus Golf Ball

Considering the success of Costco’s first golf ball, it was only expected that there would be another golf ball that would out-do the earlier K-Sig Tour Performance.

However, a remarkable thing happened. Costco came with two different golf balls. One of those balls, released in 2018, was the three-piece performance plus ball.

This three-piece ball, or the Performance Plus golf ball, was a success when it was launched. It excelled in performance on so many grounds. Each piece of its three-piece did what it was made to do.

It has a soft, large, and highly elastic core, which maximizes distance by transferring energy from a player’s swing into the ball and flight, leading to longer travel distances. Its cover is made of double urethane to give it improved durability and a soft feel. This cover enhances its control and generates spin for more desired results on the green.

Its mantle, a link between the core and the cover, helps optimize the cover’s spin, especially for 7 Iron and Wedge. The dimple pattern on the cover aids in improving the ball’s aerodynamics during flight by keeping it straight in its flight path and producing a more accurate shot.

Kirkland Signature Performance One Golf Ball

The Performance One golf ball was released in 2018 alongside the Performance Plus. This golf ball is a 4-Piece Urethane-cover golf ball meant to improve the original K-Sig Tour Performance ball.

However, it fell short of users’ expectations, not because of grossly poor performance, but for another reason, which you will discover soon.

With the success of the previous 4-Piece urethane-cover golf ball by Costco, the new 4-Piece golf ball, Performance One, didn’t last long on the shelves.

The new Kirkland 4-piece ball also comes with a urethane cover but differs from the Tour Performance’s overall construction. While the United States Golf Association (USGA) described the previous 4-piece golf ball as a Four-Piece, solid center, triple cover ball, it only described Performance One as a Four-Piece, triple cover. Apparently, the new golf ball didn’t have a solid center.

The only similarity between the two 4-Piece golf balls is the urethane cover. Performance One had a smaller inner core, but this surprisingly gave the ball more distance on testing and more spin, as well. However, the extra layer ensured more control on the greens and helped the ball travel longer distances as it kept the ball straight in its trajectory.

Considering the distance the ball can travel, it’s safe to say that it had better aerodynamics than the Tour Performance due to its 338-dimple pattern, similar to the Performance Plus dimple pattern.

The downside of Performance One is its poor spin in the greens. It also had poor durability as some players complained of gash appearing on the cover after just one hit.

These negatives led to the recall of the Performance One golf balls, and the buyers had a refund.

Pros of Kirkland Signature Golf Ball

The core is made of elastic rubber, which increases its speed and distance.
The cover is made of durable urethane.
It has a soft feel and great control on the greenside.
It’s 338 dimple pattern aids the ball flight.
It comes at a very affordable price.

Cons of Kirkland Signature Golf Ball

Kirkland Signature balls have a lower brand recognition compared to Titleist golf balls.
Its high compression can be a problem for players with slow swing speeds.
There is some doubt about the durability of Kirkland Signature golf balls.

Titleist Golf Balls: A Brief Overview

Titleist has been at the top of the list for some time now when it comes to premium golf equipment. Its reign was threatened in 2018 when Costco’s Kirkland Signature Performance One was introduced, leading to a legal battle between the two golf ball manufacturers.

However, with the vast array of golf balls the Titleist produces to cater to different golf players’ needs, it will not be easy to unseat them by a budget-friendly option. Therefore, it is no surprise that pro golfers choose golf balls from Titleist as they are reliable and are of high performance. The balls combine durability, distance, and spin in different ratios.

Titleist PRO V1

This golf ball is the top choice for pro golfers due to the accuracy and precision it gives on every shot.

It is designed to generate speed, travel long distances, and dive accurate results consistently.

Its cover is made of cast urethane, which provides a soft feel, generates high spin on short plays, and contributes to speed while retaining its spin and control. The thin urethane cover also allows the core to propel the ball into the distance faster and further.

Beneath the cover is the casing layer, enhancing the ball’s speed and spin by translating the core’s energy from your swing. Its 352 dimple pattern allows the ball to travel long-distances, drop from its flight and stop, and spin when required on the green.

Titleist PRO V1x

This Titleist golf ball is similar to PRO V1. However, it is more suitable for players looking for a firmer feel on the clubhead and a little more spin than the PRO V1 gives.

The combination of its core, casing layer, and cover travels long distances with great accuracy and consistency.

It also has better control and lower flight than PRO V1.

Titleist New AVX

If you think the only golf ball in the Titleist catalog that is speed-personified is the PRO V1x, you’re mistaken.

The New AVX is made for one thing only, speed. It has an incredibly soft feel, low long game spin, and enhanced spin on the greens to achieve this purpose.

Its core is made larger than other golf balls in the collection, making it faster and travel longer distances. Its casting layer is also redesigned with high flex to enhance speed and distance.

Its cover is thinner, though with cast urethane elastomer to make it faster and spin more. The catenary aerodynamic dimple pattern on the cover enhances its flight quality and performance.

It is also available in white and yellow, for improved optics.

Titleist Tour Speed

These golf balls are the first Titleist that uses a thermoplastic urethane cover, which provides a whole new world of precision, speed, and distance.

The technological adaptation for this ball attains speed and control by employing a core that responds fast to the player’s swing speed.

The speed generated from the swing, accepted by the core, is enhanced by the casing layer made of ionomer to allow low and long game spin while in flight.

While in flight, the quadrilateral dipyramid dimple pattern on the cover gives it great aerodynamic properties. This feature allows the ball to penetrate the wind in flight and, consequently, helps it cover longer distances with very little dispersion.

Titleist Tour Soft

The Tour Soft is another golf ball in the Titleist catalog, excellent for long-distance and short shot plays.

It has an improved soft feel that makes it travel longer distances, and its control on the greens exemplary.

This golf ball is an excellent choice when shooting off the tee as it responds well to drive shots. It will give you an excellent drive speed without sacrificing distance. Its flight, with the aid of its simple design, is penetrating and consistent.

It also gives you a soft feel and control for the short shots. You get to have more spin and control to give you the desired score. All of these performances are possible due to its large core (the largest in the Titleist golf balls), 342 cuboctahedron dimple design, and 4CE grafted cover.

Pros of Titleist Pro V1 Golf Ball

Titleist golf balls are preferred by some of the best professionals in the game, including Adam Scott and Justin Thomas.
Its 352 tetrahedral dimple design ensures a better penetrating flight and shot accuracy.
It offers a great greenside feel and control.
The design of this ball reduces spin rates and maximizes distances.
Titleist golf balls are known to be extremely durable.

Cons of Titleist Pro V1 Golf Ball

The premium price of Titleist golf balls may be a turn off for some.
It has a compression of 90, which may still be a problem for slow swinging players.

Similarities Between Kirkland Golf Balls and Titleist Golf Balls

Despite the difference in manufacturers and target customers, there are some similarities between Kirkland Signature and Titleist balls. These similarities will mostly be found in their construction, performance, cover, or even their core.

Construction: A golf ball’s construction is either 2-piece, 3-piece, or multi-layered. In essence, a 2-piece golf ball has a core, usually a large one, and then the cover. For 3-piece and multi-layered balls, the core is generally smaller, and there are two or more layers between the core and the cover. Both Kirkland and Titleist have multi-layered golf balls that have perfect green control and spin.
Cover: A golf ball’s cover is the outer part of its layer. It is the part that bears the dimple pattern responsible for the aerodynamic efficiency of the ball while in flight. All Kirkland Signature golf balls are made of urethane cover. Titleist Pro V1 also has a thin urethane cover. This cover contributes to its speed and distance.
Performance: Because of the similarities in materials and construction, Titleist golf balls and Kirkland signature golf balls also share some similarities in their performance.
Distance: Titleist golf balls are designed to maximize speed and distance. They are fitted with soft feel covers such as urethane. The same applies to all Kirkland Signature golf balls. They also have urethane as their cover to help them travel long-distance.
Speed: The best golf ball in the Titleist catalog, Titleist Pro V1, has been compared and tested with the Kirkland Signature Performance Plus golf ball, and they are on par in several areas, with one of them being speed. Both golf balls have great speed off the tee.
Control: With the urethane material both brands use in making their golf balls, they have excellent control, especially on the green. Despite the spin they generate in short shots, they also have great control to help players get the desired result.

Differences Between Kirkland Golf Balls and Titleist Golf Balls

Each brand is different and unique in some ways from the other. Titleist golf balls are made for Pro golfers while Kirkland Signature golf balls are good for beginners and experienced golfers. Some of these differences are obvious, while others are not. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Price: This is probably the biggest difference between these two brands. Titleist Golf Balls are considered the best golf balls in the market based on their performance, and they come at a premium. While Kirkland Signature golf balls are ridiculously affordable, they are sold for half the price of Titleist golf balls, not for a dozen, but two. Their affordability is one of the main reasons why they don’t stay long on the shelf.
Durability: Kirkland Signature golf balls are generally durable, except for the embarrassing case of the Performance One. The 4-Piece golf ball is the only urethane-covered golf ball in the Kirkland golf ball catalog with poor durability. On the other hand, Titleist golf balls are mostly known for their durability, and no mass complaint cases about poor durability have ever been reported.
Distance: Titleist Pro V1 is the fastest Titleist golf ball, and it covers more distance than other golf balls. However, the Kirkland signature performance Plus covers more distance than it does. The 3-piece Kirkland golf ball performs well on the wedge and seven Iron but is horrible on the driver. However, the Titleist PRO V1 performs excellently on the driver, wedge, and seven Iron.

Conclusion

Kirkland and Titleist cater to golfers’ needs in general, even though their target golfers aren’t the same. While all golfers widely accept Costco’s Kirkland, professionals prefer Titleist’s golf balls. However, it is important to note that despite the similarities in Kirkland and Titleist golf balls’ performance, there are differences that are worthy of note, and they should be deemed important when choosing either of the brands.

A 4-Piece Kirkland performance One, for instance, is unsuitable in a competition, while a Titleist PRO V1 is more suitable in a competitive setting as it is more durable than the former.

Open Stance Golf: The Ultimate Guide

When it comes to golf as a pastime, most people are limited to a square stance and start struggling with distance as they advance in age. Others can’t get the perfect driver despite being young. However, the insiders know that the secret to effortlessly adding tens of yards is open stance golf.

For open stance golf, you need to first stand in the right position a few feet away from the ball and assume a square stance by placing both your feet next to each other and parallel to the target line. You need to shift your front foot behind your trail foot so you are open to your target.

While the steps mentioned above bring you into the open stance, this article covers the world of open stance golf, including:

How you can determine the right distance and position for your stance.
The best swing to achieve distance with the open stance.
How open should your stance be?
What are the key benefits of golfing with an open stance?
The mistakes you should avoid when opening your stance.

What Is an Open Stance?

Before you know how to get into an open stance, you must understand what the term even refers to. If you are new to golf or aren’t very technical about the game despite having years of experience, you may need to know the three golf stances.

Square stance: Both your feet are positioned next to each other and are parallel to the target line. From the perspective of an observer standing at the target, the golfer’s front foot blocks the trail foot’s view. That is relevant because you will need to get in this position to move to an open stance.

Closed stance: In a closed stance, the golfer’s trail foot is slightly behind where it is in an unbiased view. From the perspective of an observer standing at the target, the golfer’s body’s front side is closed off with his or her back showing thanks to the front foot getting the lead.

Open stance: When a golfer shifts his front foot backward from a square standpoint, the player is holding an open stance. The farther back the front foot, the more open one’s stance is. From the perspective of someone standing at the target, the front of the golfer’s body is more open and visible as the front foot side gives way by moving behind.

How to Assume an Open Stance

Now that you know the three stances let’s talk about opening up your stance. While the benefits are discussed later in detail, it is worth assuming that you want to open your perspective with a result in mind. How much of that you will achieve depends on the current stance you hold.

If the above descriptions indicate that you usually hold a closed stance, you can fix it by having a square view. And if you already own a square stance, then the following section will help you not just shift to an open stance but also know how much to open up and from what position.

Know Where to Position Yourself

An open stance might open you up in the follow-through but trap your arm in the backswing if you are very close to the tee. That is why it is advisable to have the ball at least a few inches farther than if you were using a square stance. This also depends on the path you want the ball to swing and how you swing your club.

If you come from the top right, an open stance can be an obstacle because your trail foot is creating a blockage around your elbow. The best-case scenario is that you end up getting through the ball but making a losing trade-off in terms of accuracy.

Factors to Consider Before Deciding the Distance

When setting up the distance between yourself and the ball in your position, you have to consider the following.

Do You Sway Your Hips?

If you sway your hips when you usually strike, you are positioning the ball too far from your front foot.

Assuming an open stance with the ball placed too far behind, you will launch the ball almost at a right angle to your target, and the strike will not have nearly as much force.

The other possibility that leads to swaying is that you are standing too close to the ball.

If you position yourself too close, move at least far enough away that your arm has to extend at an angle. If you position the ball behind you, then you have to imagine a chest pocket on your trailside and have the ball around that far back at the minimum.

Is Your Club Swing’s Path Too Obtuse?

A golf swing is the golfer’s asset, and every other technique is meant to be an asset to complement it. That is the theory upheld by those who swear by custom golf club fittings.

The position-purists believe that the key is a golfer’s position and the swing needs to be trained to match the needs of the position. The truth lies in the middle.

If you swing from a very obtuse angle, you generate too much power at an angle that will be hindered by your trailside. If your club swings in more of a straight path alongside the target line, you have a lot of room to open up your stance.

If your club swing’s obtuseness makes your club travel too far behind the target line, a closed view will work best for you.

However, if you are a senior golfer, you should train your swing to match the open stance because you will make significant gains in the distance and lift by adopting an open view.

To optimize your distance to the ball when you position yourself, start swinging your club and moving closer to the tee till it feels natural to swing but at the same time does not become too restrictive for the backswing.

You do not want to trade off your follow-through for the energy that is generated at the backswing.

How Far Does Your Ball Travel?

While some golfers may want to change their stance because of their swing path, it is usually the distance and the lift most are after.

If your ball is not traveling far enough, the chances are that you are at the perfect distance to open up your stance.

That is why one of the best ways to get in the right position is to keep getting closer or farther till the ball travels neither too far left nor right of that target.

And when the only issue is the lift and the distance, you know you are at the right distance from the tee to get into an open stance.

Know How Much to Open Up Your Stance

You have probably seen golfers with widely open stances and others whose stances are barely open. Most young open stance golfers can scarcely be differentiated from a square stance.

How much you open up your stance depends on the kind of energy you need to get through the ball. This leads most senior golfers to have open perspectives.

Factors That Dictate the Openness of Your Stance

While many golfers may unfairly judge others because of the unconventional stances, the idiom that ‘if it works, it ain’t stupid’ holds for both the openness and the closeness of one’s stance.

How open your stance is depends not just on age as briefly mentioned above but on several factors listed below.

Where Do You Lose the Game?

When you’re learning anything about improving your golfing, the ultimate result you seek is to lower your score. At this stage, you have to ask yourself where you lose your games?

If your games are held back by not hitting the right drivers earlier on, you have to open your stance a lot and get as much lift as possible, especially on bigger courses.

On the other hand, if you start scoring too much around the fairway, you may need to open up your stance just a little bit.

Either way, you should learn to swing well with both wide open and slightly open stances so that you can adjust your position throughout the game and aren’t just effective at launching drivers.

Strength of Your Swing

Critical to deciding how open you have to make your stance, especially during drivers, is how much strength you have behind your swing.

If your backswing is the most vital part of your launch, you may not want to sap it by using an open stance closed from behind.

If you are in your early twenties, it is recommended that you rely on working out your upper body to add strength to your swing.

But if you are older than fifty, you have more to gain by using your stance to add strength to the strike.

Usually, this dilemma doesn’t exist among golfers who know they want to have an open stance. That is because it is the downswing where they need the most energy.

However, it is worth stating that if you bring energy into your downswing with an open stance, some of the backswing power would be traded off.

Where Do You Win the Game?

If your game relies on precision and usually gets the ball in the hole from an intermediate distance, you may want to keep practicing your current stance alongside an open stance.

That is because not only does your stance affect the swing path but also the precision.

For instance, one of the critical features of the open stance is that it helps the club achieve significant outside-in swing. As a result, you can hit the ball so that it spins from left to right.

Of course, this would require you to adjust your target expectations accordingly. On the other hand, if your natural stance is closed, which creates a right to left spin, you may be used to launching at a different angle.

Finally, the square stance that promotes minimal sidespin establishes the expectation for a direct path. You should know which stance to use, but the rule of thumb is that the closer you are to the target, the more you need your stance to be square.

This doesn’t mean that the farther you are, you closer your stance should be.

A closed stance and an open stance are the most relevant in launching drivers and occasionally when shooting at intermediate distances only because one has little control over adjusting the target’s angle.

The Variety of Swings in Your Arsenal

This factor is not as critical as the others because you can train to use multiple swings. But aside from your natural swing, you have to consider the other types of swings and angles you are comfortable at swinging your clubs.

There are mainly three types of swings. And while it is possible to explain each swing by angle and direction, a swing is best known by the fruits of its labor.

Therefore, the three types of swings are presented below using the resultant spin in the ball. See which one of the three describes your natural path the best, assuming you are a right-hander. The sides described below switch if you are a left-handed golfer.

Inside Square Inside Swing

If you naturally swing the golf and the ball launches in a straight path, the chances are that you are employing an inside square inside the swing.

More importantly, it predicts an open stance will help add distance to your drivers and earlier intermediate shots.

But as mentioned earlier, the swing path and direction in which the ball goes will shift, so you will need to correct it. You can open your stance by one foot at maximum and get relatively similar accuracy results.

Outside in Swing

When you swing your club, and the ball naturally spins left to right, you will notice the ball travel not at a direct angle from where you have launched it but to your front left side.

If this description fits you, your natural swing only creates the spin that an open stance further accentuates. It is best not to open your stance too much in such a scenario or see diminishing returns. Do not open your stance beyond a few inches.

Inside Out Swing

This is the opposite of what you read above. With an outside-in swing as your natural swing, the ball will spin right to the left. As a result, you may need to turn your head over your left shoulder to see the ball after you have launched it.

In case this is your natural swing, it is advisable to restrict open stance use only to drivers. An open stance will get in the way of your swing, so you will need to train with more of an outside-in approach.

If you can launch the ball in all the ways described above, you can open your stance as much or as little as you please because you can switch between swings.

On the other hand, it is advisable to follow the openness mentioned above if you only have one swing in your arsenal.

Benefits of an open stance

Now that you know where to position yourself, the distance at which to be, and how open to be, you understand that opening your stance has consequences in the swing path.

So why would you want to train with an open stance? In this section, we look at various benefits of using an open stance.

Perfect for Senior Golfers

Understand that while it is perfectly normal for the young golfer to use an open stance, senior golfers stand to benefit the most from using an open stance because of the efficiency it brings to the strike.

Younger golfers may have inefficient swings, but they can afford to compensate for the loss with upper body strength because they have more energy.

For senior citizens, inefficiency can spell a loss of distance. As a result, the most significant gains to be unlocked in opening up one’s stance are for senior golfers who rely much more on the brain than brawn.

Though younger golfers can add yards to their drivers with an open stance, they have the option to achieve the same distance by just working out and using a square stance, a luxury not available to those at an advanced age.

With that said, even if you are eighteen, you should train an open perspective because, at some point, you, too, will be a senior golfer.

Adds Lift to the Ball

It is often wrongly assumed that all one needs to add distance to their driver is energy. If that were the case, bodybuilders would be pro golfers.

What good is strength if you launch the ball straight into the foot of a hill? Besides precision and power, you need a technique to throw the ball farther and with enough lift to cover a great distance without hitting obstacles.

There have been instances where just a single score could have lost the victor a key victory in specific tournaments. That is why the lift is essential even at close ranges.

Your club gets a relatively higher loft with an open stance, and you can make the ball flight higher.

Even though ball lift was mentioned in close ranges, it is advisable not to use a very open stance to create a lift closer to the target.

You can switch to a club with a higher loft and achieve lift at short distances, but using a wedge as a driver is unheard of, so you need to use your stance to help the ball lift.

Stop You From Swaying Your Hips

One of the key ways to add multiple yards to your driver is to rotate your hips. This allows you to leverage strength that comes from a very natural swing and get through the ball.

However, many golfers find themselves swaying instead, making it impossible for the golfer to rotate his hips. This saps almost all of the potential energy generated at the backswing when you are at the downswing stage.

That is why you may have felt that you need to muster extra energy to get through the ball.

While swaying is visible to people standing directly behind your back, it is almost impossible for you to know whether you are swaying.

So how can you determine if you have this problem? Pay attention to your feet on the backswing.

Do you shift your weight mid-swing? If you notice your weight shift from your front foot to your trail foot, you are in an impossible situation when it comes to rotating your hips.

With an open stance, you are put in a position where swaying is not needed, and your body does not naturally end up wanting to shift weight midswing.

Consequently, you are no longer sapping your strength at the downswing.

Releases Tension

It is said that gaining distance in your driver is a game of letting go of the tension. Unfortunately, it is not as easy as commanding yourself to let go.

Some of the physical actions we do introduce tension into our natural swing. Tension may come from one’s grip, the weight shifted discussed earlier, or simply from thinking one requires too much effort.

As an open stance leads to less effort and introduces hip rotation as an aide to one’s driving force, the momentum lets you relax, and you do not have to get tense.

The hip-swaying discussed earlier can may your upper-right side tense up if you are trying to get an inside square inside the swing. An open stance sets you up to have a relaxed swing that has great follow through.

Natural to Physics

While your current stance may be natural to you, from the perspective of physics, the open view is the natural way to launch a golf ball at a distance if one wants the ball to have the right lift. This means that when you use your natural stance, you are fighting physics for distance.

On the other hand, you are fighting your habit when you fight your natural stance to get into an open stance.

While both fights can be fought, it takes physical energy to fight physics and use a closed stance or a square stance to get a good distance.

But it only takes willpower to fight your habits and develop a healthy open stance.

Helps You Get Through the Ball

Most people are off in their golfing game by one or two factors. And usually, they are painfully aware of what stands between them and success. If you feel like getting through the ball is where you lose the yards, you already know that you need energy on the downswing.

This energy could be mustered by your upper body when you are in the downswing. But you can leverage speed and momentum with an open stance to help translate more of your chemical energy into your downward swing and produce a strong follow-through as you retain much more energy around the downswing.

Mistakes to Avoid When Opening Your Stance

If the path to golfing success shifted from a square stance to an open one, everyone would have an open stance, and the competitive advantage would go away. It is not only opening your stance but also avoiding the common mistakes where the advantage lies.

Using an inside square inside swing without adjusting the position. If you insist on the inside square swing, you will compromise the accuracy and the direction of the ball.

Not practicing enough. There is nothing more embarrassing than learning a technique and rolling in without enough practice to a game. Avoid this by repeatedly practicing the stance at varying degrees of openness.

Relying only on the stance. If you only leverage your stance, anyone with enough practice or a natural view can get an edge over you. That is why it is important to use a combination of stance openness, upper body strength, practice, and custom fitting of your club to your new stance.

Not using your natural stance enough. As mentioned earlier, your stance’s versatility is an asset, but if you switch entirely to an open stance, you may get negative results when you go back to a square stance. This will lead to poorer performance the closer you get to the target. Make sure you train your current stance alongside an open stance.

Conclusion

It feels natural to stick to a single stance throughout your hobbyist golfing career, but a much more efficient approach is to train different stances for different swings. Aside from versatility, it helps you decrease your score. The best stance to cover a longer distance is an open stance.

Let’s recap how you can open your stance.

Start with enough distance between you and the ball.
Make sure the ball is closer to your trail foot than your front foot.
Assume a square stance.
Bring your front foot as far behind as is required.

Recent Posts

Which Is Right For You?

Final Thoughts

Sources

Why Do You Need Golf Shoes?

History

Spiked Shoes

Spikeless Shoes

Final Thoughts

Sources

Specs

Specs

Specs

Specs

Specs

Specs

Specs

Specs

Specs

Specs

Specs

Specs

What to Know Before Buying a Golf Ball

What Makes up a Golf Ball?

The Core

The Cover

The Patterns

What Is Ball Construction Type?

Types of Golf Balls

Final Thoughts

Sources

What Is a “3” Golf Club?

What Is the Difference Between a 3 Wood and a 3 Hybrid?

Difference in Loft

The Difference in Material and Construction

Shaft Differences

Difference in Clubheads

Differences in Accuracy and Consistency

Distance Difference

Which One Should You Use?

Some Other Factors to Keep in Mind

Conclusion

Sources

Kirkland Golf Balls: A Brief Overview

Pros of Kirkland Signature Golf Ball

Cons of Kirkland Signature Golf Ball

Titleist Golf Balls: A Brief Overview

Pros of Titleist Pro V1 Golf Ball

Cons of Titleist Pro V1 Golf Ball

Similarities Between Kirkland Golf Balls and Titleist Golf Balls

Differences Between Kirkland Golf Balls and Titleist Golf Balls

Conclusion

What Is an Open Stance?

How to Assume an Open Stance

Know Where to Position Yourself

Factors to Consider Before Deciding the Distance

Do You Sway Your Hips?

Is Your Club Swing’s Path Too Obtuse?

How Far Does Your Ball Travel?

Know How Much to Open Up Your Stance

Factors That Dictate the Openness of Your Stance

Where Do You Lose the Game?

Strength of Your Swing

Where Do You Win the Game?

The Variety of Swings in Your Arsenal

Inside Square Inside Swing

Outside in Swing

Inside Out Swing

Benefits of an open stance

Perfect for Senior Golfers

Adds Lift to the Ball

Stop You From Swaying Your Hips

Releases Tension

Natural to Physics

Helps You Get Through the Ball

Mistakes to Avoid When Opening Your Stance

Conclusion